Although the Winterslag coal mine in Genk has been closed for some thirty years, its influence is still felt in the city. New developments ensure that the mining community is still alive and kicking. The mine buildings, such as the headframes and the power station, have been converted into a cinema, business premises, and cultural center. The slag heap has been transformed into a walking area. In addition, the melting pot of cultures creates a unique community.
The influence of the coal mine is also noticeable in Vennestraat, Genk's cultural main street. Italian, Turkish, and Greek restaurants abound! The street is sometimes referred to as 'the street of the senses' because it stimulates all your senses. A notable building on this street is the Cinema Victoria, founded in the 1920s. With films such as Luna Nova, this thriving neighborhood cinema was always full. The cinema closed in the 1980s and has since been owned by a television repairman. Fortunately, the original exterior has been preserved. The 'Oude Pol', a shop selling spirits and tobacco products, also remains a nostalgic place.
The walk in the ErfgoedApp not only the cultural center of Genk but also the garden district of Winterslag, designed by architect Adrien Blomme (1878-1940). Inspired by the English "cottage style," Blomme laid out the residential streets around a monumental axis. This axis divided the garden district into an eastern and western part. The eastern garden district was intended for engineers and white-collar workers, while the western garden district was intended for workers. Blomme wanted to preserve the natural hilly landscape, which is why the street plan consists of curved and climbing streets. He also paid attention to greenery in the residential areas. He added small paths between the houses, connecting the residents' backyards. Children could play in the small squares. In this way, the garden district became a vibrant place to live with plenty of social contact.
In the eastern part of the garden district, we come across a building in warm red brick with pointed gables. This is the convent building, which has housed Syntra classrooms for several years now. The architecture features both traditional and innovative elements. For example, there are decorative elements such as volutes and fluted pilasters, which indicate the influence of the Arts & Crafts movement, with which Blomme was closely associated.
Of course, a monastery needs a church. The Sacred Heart Church was built in the early 1920s. Blomme designed the church in an eclectic style with neo-Romanesque elements. The church is built of quarry stone and has a pear-shaped spire. In a niche, we see a statue of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners.
The Winterslag garden district clearly originated from the mine, but over the years it has evolved into a unique community of which the people of Genk are very proud. During the walk, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the city further. There are plenty of opportunities to sample a traditional moussaka or baklava in Vennestraat, or continue your cultural visit at C-mine.
Download the ErfgoedApp the App Store or Google Play and start the Tournée Cité tour. Have a great day!